Body of Research

The Psychological Health Center of Excellence of the Defense Health Agency in the Department of Defense has released a Psych Health Evidence Brief on the use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although the 2021 brief falls short of recommending VNS for treatment of PTSD, it shows recognition of a treatment approach that is gaining rapid momentum even just since 2020.[1] In fact, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is treatment ap...

Battlefield acupuncture, a form of auricular protocols based in auriculotherapy and auricular medicine, is an ear acupuncture procedure used in a number of medical facilities throughout the Department of Defense (DoD) for treatment with positive impact in polytrauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury as well as pain management. The DoD seeks nonpharmacologic/opioid pain management across the continuum of care, and this paper presents interest for, and progress related to,...

The NADA protocol is a nonverbal, evidence-based best practice intervention with immediate calming effects on patients, regardless of the specific substance used, or whether a coexisting psychiatric disorder has been diagnosed. Initial participation with this 5-point protocol improves involvement in the treatment process.  Read more for context and continuing education options for nursing and mental health professionals   Citation: Carter K, Olshan-Perlmutter M. NADA Protocol: Integrative ...